Best Electric Chainsaws

With cordless tools, you are not bound to a power outlet and get absolute freedom of movement. In other words, you can operate the tools literally anywhere you need. The flip side of the coin, though, is usually a lower power output and for such cutting tools as chainsaws the power is essential. Yet, at GreenWorks, they managed to achieve the golden mean, with its GCS80420 battery-powered electric chainsaw.

First off, the model belongs to the Pro series, which calls for professional performance and it proves so in practice. Once you try it in action, the chainsaw will impress you with its truly powerful operation. Packed with an 80V battery, the tool is almost as mighty as gas-powered counterparts. An electric motor ensures the cutting performance comparable to that delivered by a 45 cc gas engine. At the same time, thanks to side-to-side motor placement, the tool is well-balanced and allows you to both cut trees and trim shrubs. Besides, the GCS80420 boasts a hefty 18-inch bar that will let you cut quite large trees with trunks of 16 inches in diameter and even bigger. So, whether you need to cut 14” dry lumber or split fresh 20” logs, this chainsaw won’t fail.

Speaking of chain tensioning, this electric chainsaw requires manual tensioning - there are 2 chain adjustment screws and you’ll need a tool to adjust it. Meanwhile, the oiling system is automatic, so, the chain is lubricated without your interference. You just need to make sure there's some oil in the tank.

When it comes to safety features, the GreenWorks Pro electric chainsaw is a reliable choice. Apart from the electronic chain brake (which shuts the tool off in case of kickback), this excellent chainsaw has a smooth trigger which allows you to pick the right cutting power. There's also a safety lock - the trigger will work and the chain will start revolving only if you turn the safety lock-off.

A highly reputed brand, Makita is a solid choice for experienced DIYers and seasoned professionals. And that’s for a good reason. A top-liner on the market of power tools, Makita stands out for impeccable Japanese quality and reliable performance. It’s the kind of tool that will serve you a lifetime. If you have some Makita tools, you already know that, and if you only just building your arsenal, Makita is the perfect starting point. So, whether you are seeking a replacement for your old chainsaw or choosing your first lumber cutter, you’ll never go wrong with an electric chainsaw from Makita.

Driven by a 14.5-amp motor, the Makita UC3551A 14" Electric Chain Saw yields 2900 RPM to easily cut both branches and trunks. It will cut through 12” to 14” cherry, acacia, oak, and other hardwood trunks like butter. And the corded design ensures consistent cutting performance for as long as you need. Fitted with a mid-sized 14” bar, the tool is not the best option for professionals, yet, it will perfectly cover domestic lumber cutting needs. It’s hands down the best choice for trimming garden trees and cutting firewood.

With all the power it offers, this chainsaw from Makita is perfectly balanced since tool design is yet another strong side of this brand. The in-line motor placement makes the model equally comfortable for making both horizontal and vertical cuts and you can conveniently maneuver it as you wish. With a weight of 12.1 lbs, the Makita is not the lightest chainsaw out there, yet, this weight is rather an advantage. It adds stability while cutting dense wood or larger logs, as the tool won’t wobble or vibrate and you’ll be able to make precise cuts. Meanwhile, the provided ergonomically shaped rubberized handles ensure a tight grip and give you full control of the bar when sawing, so the weight doesn’t affect the ease of handling too much. And we can’t help but mention the automatic oiling and tool-less tensioning systems that make tool adjustment and maintenance a cinch.

When choosing a chainsaw, a heavy-duty cutting tool, we look for power to tackle a variety of jobs and convenience to perform those jobs in comfort. One more aspect to consider is that surely the price and premium brands that offer high performance embodied in well-designed tools most often appear rather expensive. And what if your budget is not that stretchy and you want a balance of power and convenience at an affordable price? This is where the WORX electric chainsaw will come into play to hit that sweet spot you are looking for.

First things first, once you hold the WORX chainsaw in your hands, you’ll immediately appreciate the comfort and convenience it lends. The whole construction is ergonomically built and meticulously balanced to minimize fatigue during work, reduce vibration, and help you cut through thicker logs smoothly and without too much effort. A hefty non-slip handle provides a secure and firm grip and at 11 lbs, this chainsaw is noticeably lighter than many other premium models. It’s light enough for prolonged sawing sessions and heavy enough for secure stability while cutting.

As comfortable in use as it is, the tool also generates decent power comparable to that of gas models. The 14.5-amp motor rotates the chain at high speed and delivers enough force (3.5 HP at its peak) to cover the majority of cutting jobs around your yard or garden. The motor power paired with a strong 16” bar will let you easily cut soft and hardwoods alike or split trunks up to 12” in diameter without a hassle. Though this model from WORX is not appropriate for professional tasks and will hardly help you fell some larger trees, it is an excellent match for small and medium-duty tasks such as limbing, trimming, and firewood cutting.

A good chainsaw is one of the must-have power tools for pretty much any private household, especially ones with a garden around. Whether you use firewood to feed a woodstove or need to prune and trim your trees on a seasonal basis or simply cut through some fallen trunks after a windstorm, a chainsaw will make those tasks a piece of cake. And if you are not eager to go for a gas model to freely get into each and every corner of your garden or need an addition to your heavy-duty woodcutter, the Black and Decker LCS1240 will suit you just right.

Packed in a battery-powered design, the tool will in no way limit you by tangling cords. Just remember to keep the battery charged and you are free to use it anywhere. The 40V 2.0 Ah battery the model is equipped with delivers up to 30 minutes of cordless operation until it’s drained and allows the tool to make about 60 cuts per single charge. The motor speeds up the chain up to 5 m/s to make smooth and fast cuts in fresh or dry, soft or hard wood. It's, of course, slower than a gas chainsaw, but this electric tool is designed for minor backyard and garden operations, so, you’ll find it suitable for trimming branches and shrubs, cutting small trees and firewood, etc. A 12” long bar is not the longest one available, yet, this length will suffice for cutting trunks and lumber up to 12” in diameter. And some users even claimed that it worked fine on 14” to 15” logs as well.

What makes the Black and Decker chainsaw stand out in addition to portability and decent cutting performance is its ultimate convenience of use. In contrast to other models within the same power range, this tool is truly lightweight. It weighs only 8.3 lbs and is very maneuverable, which will let you cut at different angles without fatigue. The automatic oiling system and tool-free chain tensioning contribute to the extreme ease of use and maintenance while kickback protection and a special lock-off button that prevents accidental switching ensure solid user safety.

If you don’t need a chainsaw to cut down trees and rather are looking for a compact and easy-to-handle model to tackle minor cutting tasks such as cleaning off the limbs of fallen trees or cutting firewood, the RM1425 Limb N Trim electric chainsaw from Remington will definitely catch your fancy.

As the name suggests, the tool was specifically engineered for basic cutting tasks and home use. The Remington RM1425 is a compact corded electric chainsaw with an 8-amp motor. The manufacturer has created this model primarily for trimming limbs and branches. The 14” cutting bar is more than sufficient for that purpose. It will smoothly cut through branches and saplings from 3 to 6 inches thick. Though the bar is pretty long, it is not suitable for cutting larger trees and trunks due to its low-powered motor. So, it’s recommended to refrain from doing that to avoid damaging the tool.

In contrast to pricey top-liners, the Remington chainsaw has manual chain tensioning and a manual oiling system. However, the tool doesn’t cost a fortune, which is not the last thing to consider, and for the price you pay, you can’t expect more. Besides, it’s not as difficult as it might seem to accomplish these tasks. The designers at Remington did their best to make those adjustments as quick and simple as possible. So, to keep the chain at ideal tension for flawless cuts, you just need to tighten the external screws with a wrench. And to lubricate the chain for a smooth run, you simply need to fill the oil and push a special oiler button several times to pump it. Just do it every now and then to maintain your chainsaw and keep it ready for work.